Colorectal cancer statistics, 2026 - PubMed

5 hours ago

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer-related death in the United States and ranks first in adults younger than 50 years.
Overall CRC incidence declined by 0.9% annually during 2013-2022, driven by decreases of 2.5% annually in adults aged 65 years and older.
Incidence rates increased by 3% annually in adults aged 20-49 years and by 0.4% annually in adults aged 50-64 years, dominated by tumors in the distal colon and rectum.
Rectal cancer incidence increased by 1% annually from 2018 to 2022, now accounting for 32% of all CRC, up from 27% in the mid-2000s.
Increasing CRC incidence in adults aged 50-64 years was confined to regional and distant-stage diagnosis, likely contributing to an upturn in mortality in this age group of 1% annually since 2019.
Mortality has increased in adults younger than 50 years by 1% annually since 2004, whereas rates have decreased in adults 65 years and older by 2.3% annually since 2012.
Despite progress for older adults, both CRC incidence and mortality are increasing in adults younger than 65 years, underscoring an urgent need for etiologic research.
Morbidity and mortality could be mitigated with earlier diagnosis, through screening and educating clinicians and the general public about CRC symptoms, and greater attention to the unique needs of younger patients.

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